The Fieldcrest CUSD 6 Board of Education held its regular Board meeting on September 27, 2017. Members present were Mykin Bernardi, Scott Hillenburg, Joe Kirkpatrick, Charles Lohr, Kimberly McKay, Tim McNamara and Beth Palm. Also present were Superintendent Dr. Daniel L. Oakley, Middle School Principal Nate Lorton, representatives from Ruyle, and a couple of community members.
The Board meeting began with a public hearing on the FY18 budget. In Board action during regular session, the Board: approved the consent agenda; adopted the FY18 budget, with notations that the budget will likely have to be amended in June due to still unknown revenue from the state of Illinois and the federal government; affirmed a previous Board expenses resolution; waived the second reading of the July PRESS Policy Update and referred it to the Policy Committee; approved a Title I Schoolwide plan for Fieldcrest Primary School, the only building in the district which utilizes Title I dollars; belatedly adopted the FY18 Parent/Student handbook; approved two early graduation requests; approved the completion of Health/Life Safety amendments 14 and 21; accepted NAPA's sealed bid of $2,005 for van #23; approved the annual Applications for Recognition of Public Schools; and adopted an amended Public School Calendar.
The Board heard a presentation from Ruyle regarding efficiencies at the Middle School in Wenona. The gas consumption at the Middle School is significantly higher than any other building in the district. Ruyle believes the district can cut that bill roughly in half - still significantly higher than other buildings - with three projects: replace steam traps, steam valves, and pneumatic thermostats. The cost of all three would be in the neighborhood of $95,000, with incentives from ComEd and Ameren which would reduce the district's cost to about $75,000, assuming no further concerns were found during work. The payoff period estimated by Ruyle would be about 5 years. The Board will take this information under further advisement as the Board begins the next round of discussions pursuant to the 10-year HLS survey submissions.
Mr. Lorton spoke highly of the start to the school year, especially the use of MAP data to be able to assess and provide interventions to students. Mr. Lorton also introduced Nicolas Cincotti, music teacher, to the Board.
Dr. Oakley addressed the following:
1. Reminded the Board of the October 11 Board planning session. Topics to be discussed include: future curriculum concerns; future staffing concerns; renewal of discussion of the 10-year HLS survey results and implications for future building needs/concerns; and renewal of discussion on next steps with building repair or replacement.
2. Dr. Oakley also presented the Board with a summary of fall MAP testing data.
The Board met in closed session immediately after open session to briefly discuss personnel employment.
The next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, October 25, 2017, at 6:30 pm at Fieldcrest High School band room, with closed session starting at 6:00 pm. The Board will also meet October 11 in a Board planning session at the High School Band Room, starting at 6:30 pm.